Large ortho acquisitions can have a profound impact on employees, as the acquired people navigate through a range of emotions and uncertainties during the integration process.
This article will outline the typical phases experienced by employees in Company B, who are being acquired by Company A. While the journey may begin with excitement and optimism, it often takes a downturn, leading to demotions, relocation requests, and even job losses.
Many of you have experienced this ride already with Medtronic/Kyphon, Zimmer/Biomet, Stryker/MAKO, Stryker/K2M, ZB/LDR Spine, and many more will experience this ride with OrthoFix/SeaSpine and Globus Medical/NuVasive.
Phase 1: The Announcement - A Rosy Outlook
Suddenly a press release announces that Company A will be acquiring Company B, but doesn't really say much.
Quickly, there is internal communication coming from above that says "This is going to be great. This gives us more synergies, more products, more people, and we will be stronger together."
This is a lie. However, this lie is said with good intent because the combined companies cannot afford a panic. They cannot afford to risk a downturn in sales, disruption in business ops, or...
